The Bottom Line

PicoWay is a picosecond laser system that delivers ultra-short energy pulses across three wavelengths (1064nm, 785nm, and 532nm) — making it one of the most versatile pigment-targeting lasers available. It's FDA-cleared for removing tattoos of all colors, treating benign pigmented lesions (sun spots, birthmarks), and improving skin texture through collagen stimulation. Its multi-wavelength design gives it a significant advantage for multicolored tattoos and diverse skin types.

What Is the PicoWay Laser?

PicoWay is a picosecond laser platform made by Candela that delivers laser energy in ultra-short pulses measured in picoseconds (trillionths of a second). What sets PicoWay apart from other picosecond lasers is its three available wavelengths — 1064nm, 785nm, and 532nm — which together can target virtually all tattoo ink colors and pigmented skin conditions.

The laser works through photoacoustic fragmentation: its ultra-short pulses create pressure waves that shatter pigment particles (whether tattoo ink or melanin) into tiny fragments that your immune system can clear. Because the pulses are so short, less heat is generated in surrounding tissue compared to nanosecond lasers, resulting in less downtime and lower risk of scarring.

PicoWay is FDA-cleared for three applications: tattoo removal (all colors), benign pigmented lesion removal (sun spots, lentigines, café-au-lait macules), and skin revitalization (improving skin tone, texture, and fine wrinkles using the PicoWay Resolve fractional handpiece).

Conditions PicoWay Treats

Tattoo removal: PicoWay's three wavelengths provide comprehensive coverage for all tattoo ink colors. The 1064nm targets black and dark ink (safe for all skin types), the 532nm targets red, orange, and yellow ink, and the 785nm targets blue and green — traditionally the most difficult colors. This makes PicoWay particularly effective for multicolored tattoos that other lasers struggle to clear completely.

Pigmented lesions: Sun spots (solar lentigines), age spots, freckles, café-au-lait macules, and nevus of Ota respond well to PicoWay's targeted energy. Many superficial pigmented lesions clear in 1-3 sessions.

Skin rejuvenation (PicoWay Resolve): Using a specialized fractional handpiece, PicoWay creates microscopic treatment zones in the skin that stimulate collagen and elastin production without breaking the skin surface. This treats fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin texture with minimal downtime.

How Does PicoWay Compare to Other Lasers?

PicoWay's key advantages stem from its ultra-short pulse duration and multi-wavelength capability:

  • vs. Q-switched (nanosecond) lasers: PicoWay's picosecond pulses shatter pigment into smaller fragments, enabling faster clearance in fewer sessions (typically 4-8 vs. 10-15). Less thermal damage means less downtime and lower scarring risk.
  • vs. PicoSure: PicoSure primarily uses 755nm (alexandrite), which excels for blue/green but doesn't cover red/orange. PicoWay's three wavelengths (1064/785/532nm) provide broader color coverage, especially for warm-toned inks.
  • vs. Nd:YAG alone: Traditional Nd:YAG lasers offer 1064nm and 532nm but in nanosecond pulses. PicoWay delivers the same wavelengths with picosecond speed plus the added 785nm, providing faster results and better color versatility.

Treatment: What to Expect

Before treatment: Avoid sun exposure for 4-6 weeks. Your provider evaluates your skin type, tattoo colors or pigmented lesion characteristics, and selects appropriate wavelengths and settings. Topical numbing cream is applied 30-60 minutes beforehand.

During treatment: Sessions last 15-30 minutes depending on the area. Each pulse feels like a rapid snap. A cooling device or cold air improves comfort. For tattoo removal, the tattoo frosts (turns white) immediately — this resolves within minutes.

Number of sessions:

  • Tattoo removal: 4-8 sessions spaced 6-8 weeks apart (fewer than nanosecond lasers)
  • Pigmented lesions: 1-3 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart
  • Skin rejuvenation: 3-6 sessions spaced 2-4 weeks apart

Recovery: Expect redness, swelling, and possible blistering for 3-7 days after tattoo or pigment treatment. For skin rejuvenation (Resolve), downtime is minimal — mild redness for 24-48 hours. Avoid sun exposure during healing. Progressive fading continues between sessions.

When to See a Dermatologist

Consult a board-certified dermatologist for a PicoWay evaluation to determine if it's the right laser for your specific needs — they'll assess your tattoo colors, skin type (Fitzpatrick classification), and treatment goals. During treatment, contact your provider if you experience signs of infection, blistering that doesn't resolve within 2 weeks, significant skin color changes beyond the treated area, or no visible improvement after 3-4 sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PicoWay safe for dark skin?

Yes — the 1064nm wavelength is safe for all skin types including Fitzpatrick types IV-VI. This longer wavelength bypasses epidermal melanin, targeting only the deeper pigment or tattoo ink. The 532nm and 785nm wavelengths require more caution in darker skin. Your dermatologist will select the appropriate wavelength and energy settings based on your specific skin tone.

Does PicoWay hurt?

Most patients describe the sensation as a rapid snapping or stinging, comparable to a rubber band flick. Pain varies by treatment area and individual sensitivity. Topical numbing cream, cold air cooling, or local anesthesia can significantly reduce discomfort. Many patients find PicoWay slightly less painful than nanosecond lasers because the shorter pulses generate less heat.

Can PicoWay remove tattoos that other lasers couldn't?

PicoWay is often used as a second-line treatment for tattoos that showed incomplete results with older Q-switched lasers. Its picosecond pulses break remaining ink into smaller fragments than nanosecond lasers could achieve, and the 785nm wavelength can target stubborn blue and green inks that lack a good match from other laser platforms. Many patients see additional fading of "resistant" tattoos with PicoWay.

How long do skin rejuvenation results last?

Collagen stimulation from PicoWay Resolve produces results that last 1-2 years with proper skincare and sun protection. The new collagen and elastin your body produces is real and durable, but ongoing aging and UV exposure gradually diminish results over time. Periodic maintenance sessions (once or twice yearly) can sustain improvements.

References

  1. Freedman JR, Kaufman J, Metelitsa AI, Green JB. Picosecond lasers: the next generation of short-pulsed lasers. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2014;33(4):164-168.
  2. Kasai K. Picosecond laser treatment for tattoos and benign cutaneous pigmented lesions. Laser Ther. 2017;26(4):261-266.
  3. Bernstein EF, Schomacker KT, Basilavecchio LD. A novel dual-wavelength, Nd:YAG, picosecond-domain laser safely and effectively removes multicolor tattoos. Lasers Surg Med. 2015;47(7):542-548.

Trusted Resources

  • American Academy of Dermatology Association. "Laser Treatment." aad.org
  • American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. aslms.org
  • FDA. "Medical Devices — Laser Products." fda.gov

Choose a board-certified dermatologist experienced with picosecond laser technology for the safest, most effective treatment.